Phipps

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
May 25
7—10 p.m.

Calling all botany and big band lovers alike to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Kick off the hotter season with cool jazz and lush blooms—and pre-game your weekend this Thursday night—when the Oakland destination transforms its color-drenched outdoor garden into a live music venue.

Recalling the golden era of Rat Pack entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin, The Benny Benack Big Band will fill the late spring evening air with iconic sounds of jazz, swing and Dixieland. Also in the repertoire will be classic competitions by Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bublé.

Leading the esteemed local ensemble on sax and vocals is the father-and-son duo Benny Benack, Jr. and Benny Benack III, who are continuing their family’s  50-year musical legacy within Pittsburgh’s rich jazz scene.

The stellar lineup also features saxophonists Eric DeFade and Rick Matt, trombonists Bob Matchett and Kevin McManus, trumpet players Joe Herndon, Joe Badaczewski and J.D. Chaisson, keyboardist Max Leake, bassist Mike Houlis and drummer David Glover.

Attendees may bring lawn chairs and blankets and can buy beer, wine and other beverages at the cash bar.

RSVP required.

For more events go here.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Dahesh Museum of Art and is co-author of Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania. She also is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade. Musically, she is in a band called The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.